People with ADHD are three times more likely to use marijuana than their neurotypical peers1. And the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder is also two times higher for those with ADHD1.Teens may succumb to the temptation of cannabis because it promises to alleviate anxiety and stress, and to quiet racing brains quickly.
However, cannabis can negatively affect ADHD brains by slowing the brain’s signaling processes, affecting motivation and memory.
Still, teenagers may deny that their cannabis use is a problem or even dangerous, leaving their parents exasperated and worried.“Parents should work deliberately not to shame their child and instead focus on understanding their child’s experience on cannabis,” wrote Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., in the ADDitude article “The Damaging Effects of Cannabis on the ADHD Brain.” “They should also set boundaries and consequences for substance use to remind their child it is not acceptable.”We asked 198 ADDitude caregivers whether they are concerned about their teen or tween possibly or habitually using cannabis and how marijuana use impacts their child’s ADHD symptoms.
Many parents expressed apprehension about the long-term effects of cannabis use and shared their strategies for monitoring and managing their child’s usage.[Read: The ADHD and Addiction Link]Are you concerned about your ADHD teenager using cannabis?